As thousands of students return to classrooms across the UAE, road safety has become a national priority. The Ministry of Interior and Federal Traffic Council have rolled out 15 strict measures to protect children on their daily journeys, targeting students, parents, and school bus drivers.
As the new academic year begins across the UAE, authorities have intensified their efforts to safeguard children’s daily journeys to and from school. Recognising the increased road activity during the school term, the Ministry of Interior and the Federal Traffic Council have launched a comprehensive campaign that outlines 15 specific safety measures. These guidelines are aimed at students, parents, and school bus drivers, reinforcing a culture of road safety and responsibility.
The initiative also introduces an innovative campaign called “A Day Without Accidents,” set for September 15, rewarding motorists who demonstrate strict adherence to road safety rules. In a bid to encourage positive behaviour, four black points will automatically be deducted from the licences of drivers who avoid accidents and violations on that day. This not only provides an incentive for careful driving but also highlights the authorities’ focus on proactive safety education rather than just penalties.
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Children are among the most vulnerable road users, and the safety campaign directly addresses their role in ensuring accident-free commutes. Four measures specifically target students, urging them to take responsibility for their own safety under adult guidance.
Firstly, students are instructed to cross the road only when it is clear of vehicles, avoiding sudden or careless movements. They are also reminded to remain seated while travelling, paying attention to safety instructions given by adults or bus supervisors. A key rule stresses that students should never exit a vehicle until it has come to a complete stop. Finally, they are encouraged to follow all road safety lessons provided by schools and parents, making safety a habit from an early age.
These measures are not only about avoiding immediate dangers but also about shaping responsible future road users. By instilling these habits early, authorities hope to reduce the risk of accidents involving children and strengthen the overall culture of safety in the country.
Parents play a vital role in reinforcing safety instructions and monitoring their children’s road behaviour. The campaign outlines six measures specifically aimed at parents, highlighting their shared responsibility with schools and drivers.
Parents are urged to plan school drop-offs carefully, taking into account traffic conditions to avoid last-minute rushing, which often leads to risky behaviour. They are also encouraged to regularly teach their children about traffic rules, reinforcing what is learned at school. Monitoring children while crossing the road, coordinating with schools on safety practices, and participating in awareness campaigns are additional responsibilities emphasised in the campaign.
Moreover, parents are reminded that their role goes beyond their own children. By actively engaging in broader safety initiatives and supporting schools in implementing safety protocols, they contribute to a safer environment for all students.
School buses are an essential part of the UAE’s education system, transporting thousands of children daily. Ensuring their safe operation is a top priority. The campaign dedicates five measures to bus drivers, focusing on attentiveness, discipline, and caution.
Drivers are reminded to avoid distractions at all times, particularly the use of mobile phones. Speed limits, especially near schools and pedestrian zones, must be strictly observed. Maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles is highlighted as a crucial step to preventing collisions.
Another key measure instructs drivers to stop completely during student boarding and disembarking, allowing children to move safely to and from the bus. Drivers are also told to exercise extreme caution when reversing or leaving parking spaces, areas where children are often less visible.
By adhering to these rules, school bus drivers can significantly reduce risks and ensure that the journey to school remains as safe as possible.
The “Day Without Accidents” campaign stands out as an innovative addition to the safety plan. By offering tangible rewards, such as the removal of four black points from driver licences, authorities are encouraging motorists to commit to safer practices. This initiative reflects a broader strategy: creating a positive, reward-driven culture that values prevention and care over punishment alone.
Electronic automation of this process makes it convenient for drivers, eliminating the need for visits to service centres. Such initiatives not only improve compliance but also demonstrate how digital tools can streamline safety enforcement.
The campaign’s approach is holistic, recognising that student safety is a collective responsibility. By dividing the 15 measures among students, parents, and bus drivers, the initiative ensures that every stakeholder knows their role. Students are taught to protect themselves, parents are tasked with constant guidance, and drivers are held accountable for safe vehicle operation.
This shared model of responsibility also reduces the burden on authorities alone, instead distributing it across the community. It reinforces the message that safe school journeys are not just about laws and penalties, but about a united effort from all members of society.
Beyond immediate accident prevention, these measures are part of the UAE’s long-term vision for road safety. The country has already made significant progress in reducing traffic accidents and fatalities in recent years, thanks to stricter laws, advanced technology, and continuous awareness campaigns.
By focusing on children and schools at the start of the academic year, authorities are making a strategic move to further embed safety values into everyday life. Over time, these efforts are expected to lead to a stronger, more safety-conscious society.
As schools across the UAE reopen, the new safety measures provide a clear roadmap for protecting students during their daily commutes. With 15 targeted rules covering students, parents, and school bus drivers, the campaign highlights that safety is everyone’s responsibility. Coupled with innovative incentives like “A Day Without Accidents,” these efforts underline the UAE’s commitment to fostering a culture of road safety.
The message is simple but powerful: every safe journey matters, and through collective responsibility, the roads can be safer for all.
